Get species

The Qld Wildlife API is being replaced

Please note that the Qld Wildlife API will soon be replaced with a new API. The new API is currently planned to be released in May 2025. Please come back to this webpage for updates. If you have any questions or feedback, please email wildnet@des.qld.gov.au

Lists all of the species within a specified family from the Department of Environment and Science's WildNet database.

Species profile search can be used to view all the species within a WildNet family and access species information (by name or a taxonomy search) approved for release from the WildNet database.

The Conservation status of Queensland wildlife dataset that is generated weekly can be accessed to obtain a complete list of the current taxonomy from the WildNet database.

Mandatory Variables
family: A scientific family name. For a current list access Get family names.

Optional Variables
f: The format of the response. There are 3 possible options; json, xml and csv. Json is the default if 'f' is not set.

Output Field Descriptions
TaxonID: The unique identifier for the taxon from the WildNet database.
ScientificName: The scientific name for the taxon.
AcceptedCommonName: The preferred common name for the taxon.
KingdomName: The scientific name for the kingdom.
KingdomCommonName: The common name for the kingdom.
ClassName: The scientific name for the class.
ClassCommonName: The common name for the class.
FamilyName: The scientific name for the family.
FamilyCommonName: The common name for the family.
FamilyRank: The numerical rank for the family from the WildNet database.
IsSuperseded: Denotes if the taxon has been superseded so its scientific name is not longer valid (1=Superseded).
BOTStatus: The status of the taxon under the DES's Back on Track prioritisation framework (L-Low, M-Medium, H-High and DD-Data Deficient)
NCAStatus: Status under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. For a current list access Get NCA statuses.
EPBCStatus: Status under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. For a current list access Get EPBC statuses.
ConservationSignificant: Denotes if the taxon is conservation significant (i.e. listed as threatened or near threatened under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 or listed on CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA or the Bonn Convention) (1=Conservation Significant).

Example outputs
- JSON: (default): https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=getspecies&kingdom=animals&family=myobatrachidae
- XML: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=getspecies&kingdom=animals&family=myobatrachidae&f=xml
- CSV: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=getspecies&family=myobatrachidae&f=csv

Examples using different inputs (csv format specified)

• Tree frog names: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=getspecies&family=hylidae&f=csv

• Parrot names: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=getspecies&family=psittacidae&f=csv

• Green algae names: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=getspecies&family=chlorophyceae&f=csv

• Orchid names: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=getspecies&family=orchidaceae&f=csv

• Swallowtail butterfly names: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=getspecies&family=papilionidae&f=csv